Makes findings on all Officer Involved Shootings Has no authority to impose discipline to officers

Scope of agency’s authority:

Can compel production of police agency records.

Can compel production of records from other city/county/government agencies.

Can compel statements from officers.

Can subpoena documents, evidence & witnesses.

Mediation:

The IRO offers mediation as an alternative means of resolving citizen complaints about police conduct. The IRO has a mediation program that enables complainants to resolve their issues with the accused officer in a face-to-face dispute resolution process involving trained APD Supervisors who act as mediators. The goal of the program is to bring together the involved parties in an effort to achieve mutual understanding. Mediation is limited to cases determined eligible by the IRO and must be agreed to by both the complainant and the accused officer. Cases that are successfully mediated are not considered disciplinary proceedings in an officer's record..

Volunteer Board:

The Independent Review Office (IRO) reports to the Police Oversight Commission (Commission). The Commission is comprised of nine volunteer members, one from each of the nine City Council Districts. Each City Councilor nominates two persons to be the volunteer appointee; the Mayor selects one of these two persons to be forward to the City Council for approval. The Independent Review Officer is one of three persons selected by the Police Oversight Commission, then appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The Independent Review Officer is an attorney who serves on a two-year renewable contract.

The Commission oversees the operations of IRO and approves all findings of the IRO. The Commission hears citizen's appeals of the IRO's findings. The Commission reviews the IRO's findings on all Officer Involved Shooting matters.

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Office of the Independent Review Office (IRO) of the Police Oversight Commission is to:

Provide independent oversight and instill confidence in the complaint process through comprehensive and impartial investigations of citizen complaints of police misconduct;

Strengthen the relationship between Albuquerque Police Department and the community it serves;